How to Remove Password from PDF: 5 Fastest Free Methods

Quick Comparison: How Do I Remove a Password from a PDF?

Here is a quick comparison table that you must consider before learning how to delete a password from a PDF.

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How to Remove a Password from a PDF Without Acrobat

Here we have the 5 methods on how to unlock a secured PDF file without needing Adobe software.

Way 1: Using an Online PDF Password Remover (iLovePDF, SmallPDF, Online2PDF, PDF2Go)

If you only need to unlock a PDF occasionally, an online service is often the fastest solution. Platforms such as iLovePDF, SmallPDF, Online2PDF, and PDF2Go allow you to upload a protected PDF, enter the password if required, and download an unlocked copy within minutes.

These services work directly in your browser, making them convenient for users who don’t want to install additional software.

Occasional users who need a quick browser-based solution.

• Files must be uploaded to a third-party server.
• Free versions may limit file size or daily usage.
• Requires the correct password for encrypted PDFs.

• Open an online PDF unlocking tool like iLovePDF and upload your locked PDF by clicking “Select PDF file”

  

• Click “Unlock PDF” and wait for processing. Your download will automatically begin, or click "Download" if it doesn't.

• Download the unlocked PDF.

Way 2: Remove PDF Password Using Chrome/Edge

If you already know the password and can open the PDF, Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge provide a surprisingly simple way to create an unrestricted copy. By printing the document as a new PDF, you can often remove editing and printing restrictions without installing dedicated PDF software.

This method for removing a password from a password-protected PDF is completely local, making it a good option for users concerned about privacy.

Removing owner-password restrictions from PDFs you can already open.

• Doesn’t bypass unknown open passwords.
• Interactive elements such as forms or bookmarks may not be preserved.
• Some highly protected PDFs may block printing.

• Open the PDF in Chrome or Microsoft Edge and enter the password if required.

• Press “Ctrl + P” then choose “Save as PDF” as the printer.

  

• Select a save location and click “Save” to create the unlocked PDF copy.

• Open the newly created PDF.

Way 3: Unlock PDF on Windows with Microsoft Print to PDF

Windows includes a built-in virtual printer called Microsoft Print to PDF, which works similarly to Chrome’s print method. If the PDF allows printing, you can create a new copy without many of the original permission restrictions.

Since the entire process happens locally, it’s an excellent alternative for users who prefer not to upload sensitive documents to online services when learning how to remove password protection from a PDF.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

• Requires printing permission.
• Doesn’t remove unknown open passwords.
• Digital signatures and interactive features may be lost.

• Open the PDF in any PDF reader and enter the password if prompted.

• Press “Ctrl + P” then select “Microsoft Print to PDF” to remove security from the PDF.

  

• Click “Print” and choose a destination folder to save the new PDF. It will be unlocked.

Way 4: Eliminate PDF Password on Mac Using Preview

Mac users don’t need third-party software for many password-removal tasks. Apple’s Preview application allows you to open a password-protected PDF, authenticate with the correct password, and export or print a new version.

The process to remove a password from a PDF is simple and keeps your files on your own device, making it a practical solution for personal and professional documents.

macOS users who already know the PDF password.

• Works only if you can open the file.
• Some security restrictions may remain depending on the document.
• Certain metadata or permissions may be preserved.

• Open the PDF in Preview and enter the password.

• Select “File," then click "Edit Permission".

  

• Remove the passwords and uncheck the "Require password to open document," then click "Apply" to remove encryption from the PDF.

Way 5: Using Foxit PDF Editor for Business/Enterprise-Grade PDF Workflows

Organizations that regularly manage protected PDF documents often need more than a simple password remover. Foxit PDF Editor provides advanced permission management, document editing, encryption controls, and batch processing capabilities.

This method on how to make a PDF not password-protected is particularly useful for legal teams, businesses, and enterprise users who frequently work with secure PDF files and require greater control over document security.

Business users and organizations managing protected PDFs.

• Most advanced features require a paid license.
• Slight learning curve for first-time users.
• More functionality than casual users typically need.

• Launch Foxit PDF Editor and open the password-protected PDF in it.

• Click “Protect” from the top and then choose “Remove Security” in the "Secure Document" menu.

• Save the updated PDF and verify that restrictions have been removed with this PDF protection remover.

Bonus: How to Deactivate a Password in a PDF with Adobe Acrobat (Step-by-Step)

If you already have Adobe Acrobat Pro installed, removing password protection is even more straightforward. Acrobat lets you modify the document’s security settings directly instead of creating a new PDF through printing or exporting.

This method preserves the original formatting, bookmarks, and interactive elements, making it the preferred option for users who regularly work with secured PDF documents and have permission to remove the password.

• Open the protected PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro and enter the password if prompted.

  

• Click “Tools” then “Protect” and choose “Encrypt” to get the “Remove Security” option to strip the password from the PDF.

• Save the document.

⚡ How to Repair a Corrupted PDF After Unlocking or Exporting

In some situations, removing password protection or exporting a new PDF doesn’t go as planned. The newly created file may refuse to open, display missing pages, trigger error messages, or appear damaged after the unlocking process.

This can happen because of interrupted file transfers, software crashes, storage device issues, or corruption that already existed in the original document.

If that happens, repairing the PDF is often faster than repeating the entire process. One reliable solution is 4DDiG File Repair, which is designed to restore corrupted PDF files and other damaged documents with a straightforward repair workflow.

Features of 4DDiG File Repair

• Repairs corrupted PDFs that won’t open, show missing content, or trigger read errors.
• Supports batch repair of multiple damaged PDF files at once.
• Uses AI-powered technology to rebuild PDF structures while preserving original formatting whenever possible.
• Fixes files damaged by interrupted transfers, software crashes, storage failures, malware, or system errors.
• Includes a built-in preview to check repaired PDFs before saving.
• Supports PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other common office file formats.
• Offers a beginner-friendly interface with no technical expertise required.

Steps to Repair Corrupted PDF Files Using 4DDiG File Repair

• Install and launch 4DDiG File Repair and open "File Repair” from the left menu, then click “Add Files” to import one or more corrupted PDF documents.

  

• Click “Repair All” and 4DDiG will automatically begin repairing your documents. Wait while the software analyzes and repairs the files.

  

• Preview the repaired PDFs after the processing is complete, and click the "Preview" button against a PDF to check its contents.

  

• Save the repaired documents that you are satisfied with by clicking “Save”.

FAQ About Removing a Password from a PDF

How to Unlock a PDF Without a Password?

If the PDF is protected with an Open Password, you generally cannot remove the protection without knowing the password or obtaining authorization from the document owner.

For PDFs with only editing or printing restrictions (Owner Password), methods such as printing to PDF or using authorized PDF editors may remove those restrictions if the document permits it.

Is an Online PDF Password Remover Safe?

Reputable online tools are generally safe for non-sensitive documents, but they require uploading your files to remote servers. If the PDF contains confidential, financial, legal, or personal information, using a local solution such as Microsoft Print to PDF, Preview, Foxit, or Adobe Acrobat is usually a better choice.

Is It Legal to Remove a Password from a PDF?

Yes, provided you own the document or have explicit permission from the owner to remove its password or security restrictions. Attempting to bypass protection on documents without authorization may violate copyright laws, contracts, organizational policies, or other applicable regulations.

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Conclusion

Removing a password from a PDF doesn’t always require Adobe Acrobat. Depending on your device and the type of protection applied, browser-based tools, Microsoft Print to PDF, Preview on macOS, and Foxit PDF Editor can all help you remove password protection from PDF files that you own or are authorized to modify.

If the PDF becomes damaged after unlocking or exporting, 4DDiG File Repair provides a reliable way to restore corrupted documents and recover access to important files.